Thousands of Britain's biggest jobless families in line for taxpayer-funded windfalls if Labour or Reform go through with plans to lift two-child benefit cap

Thousands of Britain’s biggest jobless families could receive huge windfalls from the taxpayer under plans to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

Labour and Reform are both pushing to ditch the policy brought in by the Tories in 2017 despite the £3.5billion cost it would incur.

Critics of the cap claim it has worsened child poverty. 

Looking at the official data, it is clear that eliminating it would provide several thousand pounds in additional assistance each year to 180,000 large families where no one is employed.

Former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey last night said the figures underlined the case for keeping the cap in place.

The statement ‘Encouraging individuals to have children they cannot financially support and relying on others to cover the costs is unjustifiable both financially and morally,’ was made during the discussion.

‘I expect nothing better from Labour, but it is a mistake for Nigel Farage to chase Labour to the Left.’ 

Ms. McVey expressed her disbelief that Reform would propose ‘expanding the welfare system in such a manner’ when they had previously voted against raising the cap in a ballot on the King’s Speech the previous summer.

Nigel Farage (pictured) raised eyebrows this week when he announced that a Reform-led government would ditch two-child benefit cap

Nigel Farage (pictured) raised eyebrows this week when he announced that a Reform-led government would ditch two-child benefit cap

Labour and Reform are both pushing to ditch the policy brought in by the Tories in 2017 despite the £3.5billion cost it would incur. Pictured: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

Labour and Reform are both pushing to ditch the policy brought in by the Tories in 2017 despite the £3.5billion cost it would incur. Pictured: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

She said the Tories were now the only party ‘standing up for taxpayers and for common sense in this matter’, echoing comments made by party leader Kemi Badenoch in this newspaper yesterday.

The benefit cap limits means-tested benefits like universal credit and child tax credit payments to the first two children, costing families a typical £3,455 in lost benefits for each additional child.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has estimated the two-child cap costs affected families an average of £4,300 each.

Figures, produced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), show that more than 450,000 families were affected by the cap last year.

Around three-fifths (280,000) had three children, while a quarter (120,000) had four children and 56,000 had five or more.

The DWP does not provide a breakdown of payments to the biggest families.

But separate figures held by HM Revenue and Customs show that child benefit, which is not subject to the cap, was paid to more than 16,000 families with six children, more than 5,000 with seven children and even to 15 families with 13 children or more.

Of the 450,000 families affected in total, around three-fifths include at least one adult who is in some form of work. 

Official figures show that scrapping the cap would give thousands of pounds a year in extra benefits to 180,000 workless large families, prompting former Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey (pictured) to argue for keeping it

Official figures show that scrapping the cap would give thousands of pounds a year in extra benefits to 180,000 workless large families, prompting former Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey (pictured) to argue for keeping it

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured) accused Labour and Reform of engaging in a 'race to the bottom' over welfare

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (pictured) accused Labour and Reform of engaging in a ‘race to the bottom’ over welfare

This leaves around 180,000 where no one in the household is in any kind of paid work.

The figures will fuel the growing political debate over whether to soften the impact of the cap or ditch it altogether.

They come a day after Mrs Badenoch accused Labour and Reform of engaging in a ‘race to the bottom’ over welfare. 

The Tory leader said it was wrong to ask taxpayers, ‘many of whom are struggling to raise their own children or choosing not to have them in the first place, to fund unlimited child support for others’.

She added: ‘Welfare traps people, builds dependency and it drives up costs for everyone.’

Opinion polls show consistent public support for the cap. But the Conservatives are now the only major party defending the policy.

Dozens of Labour MPs are pushing for the cap to be scrapped as part of a review into tackling child poverty, which has now been delayed until the autumn. 

One minister told the Mail there was a ‘widespread feeling at all levels of the party that it is wrong to be penalising children in this way’.

Gordon Brown (pictured) is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider new taxes on gambling and the banks to fund the removal of the 'cruel' cap

Gordon Brown (pictured) is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider new taxes on gambling and the banks to fund the removal of the ‘cruel’ cap

Sir Keir Starmer, who is facing a wider Labour revolt on welfare, confirmed this week that the Government is looking at ‘all options’ to tackle child poverty, including ending the cap.

Other, cheaper options being considered by ministers include raising the cap to the first three children or removing it for all children until the age of five.

Gordon Brown is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider new taxes on gambling and the banks to fund the removal of the ‘cruel’ cap. Mr Farage raised eyebrows this week when he announced that a Reform-led government would ditch the cap completely.

The Reform leader – who is targeting disaffected Labour voters – said his party backed the move ‘not because we support a benefits culture’ but in order to help families struggling to make ends meet.

The cap applies to third and additional children born after April 2017 when the policy was introduced. As a result, the number of affected families is increasing every year. 

The Institute for Fiscal Studies said it was eventually likely to affect 800,000 families.

You May Also Like

Man experiencing homelessness who made friends with British traveler Hannah Almond following her traumatic robbery incident in Peru passes away shortly after her discovery.

THE homeless man who befriended rough sleeper British tourist Hannah Almond in…

Fugitive from New York suspected of murdering father discovered deceased in pool of homeowner

Police believe they have found the body of a wanted fugitive accused…

Legendary British boxer plans to run for Mayor of London on a Reform platform following his friendship with Nigel Farage

DEREK Chisora is eyeing up his toughest fight yet – to become…

Newark Airport to See Changes Soon as Airline Promises to Offer ‘Lowest Ticket Prices Ever’ and Increase Flights Following Disruptions

TRAVELERS have been given good news as Newark Airport is set to…

The complete guide to buying homes ranging from £200k to £600k in each UK region – be ready for a hint of regret about not choosing Scotland!

As the cliched motto from all estate agents goes, the three most…

Dani Dyer weds! TV star stuns in elegant gown as she marries Jarrod Bowen in small ceremony

Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen married during an intimate ceremony surrounded by their…

Unveiling the reality of a town known as a global hub for expats, where older men can easily find young female companions.

Soi 80 in Hua Hin, Thailand is home to dive bars like…

Tragic Incident: Lion attacks businessman while he steps out of tent on overnight safari

An entrepreneur who generously funded efforts to protect Namibian desert lions tragically…

JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes: How Much Older Is He than Her and Why Does It Matter?

JoJo Siwa, the American dancer and singer born in 2003, is now…

Romesh Ranganathan announces unexpected decision to take a break from his career, clarifies he is not quitting.

Romesh Ranganathan has revealed he’s hitting pause on his hectic showbiz schedule…

Jacqueline Jossa and Patsy Palmer stun in stylish outfits at the 2025 British Soap Awards, while Tina O’Brien and Jorgie Porter face a fashion mishap in matching dresses.

The great and the good of soap world descended upon London’s Hackney Empire…

Fat Tony gets married to Stavros Agapiou with famous guests Boy George, Claire Sweeney, and Davina McCall attending the wedding.

DJ Fat Tony and his partner Stavros Agapiou tied the knot in front…